Susanne Kaufmann on why her debut face oil is the only one you’ll need
Susanne Kaufmann speaks to Wallpaper* about her latest launch, a universal face oil that was years in the making
In 2023, Susanne Kaufmann celebrated 20 years of her namesake brand. As one of the earliest pioneers of the natural beauty and skincare movement, the secret to her success isn’t difficult to unlock. Born and raised in the Austrian Alps, Kaufmann brought the herbs, plants, and flowers that grow around that region – and are known for various healing properties – down from the mountains and into her products. (She began formulating said products for face and body, to be used in the medical spa of Hotel Post, a retreat in the Bregenzerwald that has been in her family for five generations).
Today, she’s speaking to me over a video call, having just marked the launch of her first-ever face oil. And, I have to ask: why has it taken so long for her to launch one? ‘We have always used the best natural oils in our body products, whether that’s sunflower, apricot, rosehip, broccoli, or celery,’ she explains. ‘They are so very appreciated by our customers, and a lot of them would ask me why we don’t make an oil for the face. It took us a long while to develop it because, in every formula we do, we start from scratch. And taking the time to do proper research into the product is also key to what we do.’
Susanne Kaufmann
The final blend of oils performs in multiple ways to support optimum skin function on the face. Lightweight and readily absorbed, there’s bilberry seed oil to support the skin barrier, astaxanthin, an antioxidant derived from blood rain algae which revitalises and smooths, (and also provides the oil’s deep orange hue), and apricot kernel oil for additional moisture. ‘It was vital to me that we created a product that is suitable for every skin type. No matter if you’re dry or oily, everyone needs moisture. The skin barrier also needs protection, which was perhaps the most important thing we aimed to achieve with this oil. Also, no one wants an oil that sits on top of the skin and doesn’t absorb. It needs to be silky, lightweight and perfect for make-up application afterwards.’
Kaufmann notes that the oil is also ideal for mixing into existing skincare products, such as her day and night moisturisers, for an additional boost of nourishment, or even into her Moisturising Mask.
‘Sustainability’ has become somewhat of a beauty buzzword over the past few years. But Kaufmann, having led the way with authenticity since the start, has no plans to launch any other face oil products. ‘We have made the perfect face oil that works. Every product we make has to be useful and work universally. We never create things just because there is a trend for it. From the very beginning, sustainability was in our DNA. That's why I started with glass bottles, which was a little bit of a fight because people told me I was crazy for having glass bottles in the bathroom. But, it was recyclable. I refused to use plastic. And back then, plastic was even worse [for the environment] than it is now!’
With recent collaborations with the likes of Byredo (Kaufmann and Ben Gohram came together at the end of 2023 to produce a body oil that captured the scent of the Bregenzerwald) and the appointment of a new CEO, the brand is continuing along its balanced trajectory, working with care and intention to speak to its cult audience.
‘The whole whole world is now talking about sustainability,’ Kaufmann continues. ‘It became a trend, but now, I think it’s moving towards an industry standard, and most brands incorporate it into their business in some way. Soon, I believe it will become a law.’ It goes to show that slow and steady really does win the race.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Susanne Kaufmann Face Oil is available now (£65).
Hannah Tindle is Beauty & Grooming Editor at Wallpaper*. She has worked with media titles and brands across the luxury and culture sectors, bringing a breadth of knowledge to the magazine’s beauty vertical, which closely intersects with fashion, art, design, and technology.
-
Aarke has created the ultimate collection for caffeine lovers, the Aarke Coffee System
The new Aarke Coffee System consists of three elegant components, part of the Swedish company’s ongoing quest to reshape the world of appliances
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
The breathtaking runway sets of S/S 2025, from beanbag animals to a twisted living room
Wallpaper* picks the best runway sets and show spaces of fashion month, which featured Bottega Veneta’s beanbag menagerie, opulence at Saint Laurent, and artist collaborations at Acne Studios and Burberry
By Jack Moss Published
-
Apple’s Alan Dye and Molly Anderson discuss the design of Apple Watch Series 10
In addition to the Apple Watch Series 10, Apple has also introduced a new black titanium finish for the premium Apple Watch Ultra 2; here’s what’s new
By Nick Compton Published
-
VitraHaus designs its first skincare product with Soeder, inspired by the Vitra Campus garden
VitraHaus has teamed up with natural skincare brand Soeder to create a liquid soap scented like the Vitra Campus garden
By Hannah Tindle Published
-
The best sunscreens for your face, selected by the Wallpaper* beauty editors
This list of the best sunscreens for your face has been compiled by Wallpaper* editors Mary Cleary and Hannah Tindle, who are highly selective about SPF
By Mary Cleary Published
-
Inside the Chanel Open-Sky Laboratory, where 2,000 varieties of camellia flowers bloom
The Chanel Open-Sky Lab at Gaujacq is one of the house’s five sustainable research centres for its beauty and skincare lines. Mary Cleary finds out more from the team who work there
By Mary Cleary Published
-
The first Rowse flagship store combines natural skincare with ambient interior design
Rowse co-founders Nuria Val and Gabriela Salord speak to Wallpaper* about their new brick-and-mortar store in Madrid
By Sophie Axon Published
-
Winter layering: six nourishing balms to envelop your dry skin in luxury
Master winter layering with these luxurious balms made to shield your skin, hair and body from biting temperatures
By Hannah Tindle Published
-
Haeckels’ Christmas 2023 message is a festive reminder about rubbish
Margate-based beauty brand Haeckels has released its Christmas initiative, which demonstrates an ongoing commitment to environmental causes
By Hannah Tindle Published